Rats

Rats are rodents of the genus Rattus, with the most common species being the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black or roof rat (Rattus rattus). They are extremely adaptable animals that have coexisted with humans for thousands of years, causing significant economic losses and posing a major public health risk.

Identification

• Size: From 20 to 40 cm including the tail.
• Weight: Between 150 and 500 grams.
• Color: Gray, brown, or black depending on the species.
• Tail: Long, scaly, and hairless, generally shorter than the body in Norway rats.
• Habitat: Sewers, basements, warehouses, roofs (black rat), and areas with food access.
• Signs: Capsule-shaped droppings (1-2 cm), gnaw marks, greasy trails, and nocturnal noises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many offspring can a rat have per year? A female rat can have between 6 and 12 litters per year, with 6 to 12 pups per litter. A single pair can generate over 1,000 descendants in a year.

Can rats gnaw through concrete? Rats have continuously growing teeth and can gnaw through wood, plastic, aluminum, and even light concrete. Their incisors exert a force of up to 7,000 kg/cm².

How do I know if I have rats and not mice? Rats are significantly larger, their droppings measure 1-2 cm (vs. 3-6 mm for mice), and they leave more noticeable grease marks along their paths.

Hazards

Rats transmit more than 35 diseases, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonellosis, and plague. They cause structural damage by gnawing electrical wires (fire risk), pipes, insulation, and wooden structures. In the food industry, the presence of rats can result in facility closures and significant financial losses.

Control and Prevention

• Exclusion: Seal openings larger than 1.5 cm with gnaw-resistant materials.
• Sanitation: Eliminate accessible food and water sources.
• Mechanical traps: Strategic placement of capture traps at activity points.
• Bait stations: Use of rodenticides in secure stations with regular maintenance.
• Continuous monitoring: Periodic inspections by certified technicians to assess activity and adjust the control program.